Browse ›
A silver tabby British Shorthair cat looks up from a doorway mat as smiling guests arrive holding a pie and a bag. 19 / 23

Winston Took Charge of Greeting Everyone at the Front Door

AI imagebritish shorthairthanksgivingfront door

The front door opens, and the first thing the arriving relatives see is a very large, very round silver tabby sitting on the mat. He looks up with wide eyes, and the visitors smile down at him, one holding a pie and the other a bag of food. Autumn leaves blow in behind them. Inside, coats hang on hooks, boots line the floor, and a basket of blankets and a pumpkin on a shelf complete the scene of a warm welcome.

British Shorthairs are sturdy cats with dense coats and round faces, and they are known for being calm, easygoing, and affectionate without being clingy. Many are happy to greet guests, but others may prefer to watch from a distance. Their thick fur sheds in spring and fall, and a weekly brush helps. They can gain weight, so portion control and gentle play are a good idea.

An open door is a good time to think about escape safety. Cats can slip outside quickly in the excitement of arrival, so keep an eye on the doorway, or place your cat in a quiet room until the guests have come in. A collar with an ID tag and a microchip help bring a cat home if the worst happens. We will call this doorman Winston. He is handling the hospitality duty with calm and pride, and he seems to be inspecting the pie and the visitors in equal measure.

More from this collection

All 23 →
A blue point Ragdoll cat sits upright on a table next to a plate of mashed potatoes topped with melting butter.Luna Asked for a Bite of the Mashed Potatoes in the Politest WayA cream Exotic Shorthair sits on leaves in the foreground while a family plays catch in a fall backyard with a football.Butter Watched the Family Football Game From a Pile of Leaves
A ruddy Abyssinian cat in a small linen apron stands on a kitchen counter among onions, herbs, pots and cranberries.Biscotti Put On the Chef's Apron and Took Over the KitchenA tortoiseshell cat sits at the edge of a Thanksgiving table staring at a roast turkey, green beans and cranberry sauce.Maple Sat at the Edge of the Table and Stared Down the TurkeyA cinnamon Abyssinian cat sleeps curled on a woven rug in front of a fireplace with a screen, with dinner dishes behind.The Dishes Were Still on the Table, but Biscotti Had Moved to the HearthA black cat with yellow-green eyes sits on a wood floor beside a single green bean, with a Thanksgiving table behind.A Single Green Bean Hit the Floor and Shadow Noticed Immediately